Sukma: Terengganu men's hockey squad optimistic of winning gold

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu men’s hockey team is confident of bringing home the gold medal at the 20th Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 16 to 24.

This was voiced by head coach Faizal Ismail based on preparations, current performance and a line-up of experienced players for the Hanelang squad.

“We have big names such as Mohd Akhimullah Anuar, Nukman Mohamad and Abid Suffian Mat Roslee, who are Terengganu Hockey Team players and former members of the national junior squad.

“Another national player, Sharman Mat Tee, was supposed to make an appearance at Sukma this year, but he will be leaving with the national senior squad to Europe on Sept 16 for warm-up matches in preparation for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Elaborating, Faizal said for this edition of Sukma, Terengganu have been drawn together with Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Perlis, Kedah and Sabah in Group A.

He also expects that his squad will not face any problems advancing to the finals with excellence, thus, making amends for the disappointment of their performance in the 2018 Sukma in Perak, which saw them end their journey at the preliminary round.

“We have held matches with strong teams such as Johor, Perak and Pahang. We have equal strength, and there is a chance to bring home the gold medal,” said Faizal, who will bring 18 players to the games.

Meanwhile, Terengganu women’s hockey squad coach, Shahrun Nabil Abdullah, did not set high targets for Sukma, considering that 90 per cent of his players are new faces with no experience.

“Most of our players are 19 years old and we are actually preparing them for the 2024 Sukma.

“We did not set a high target for the 2022 Sukma because of various constraints, but that does not mean we want to lose. If we can make it to the semi-finals, that will be good enough,” he said.

-- BERNAMA